CAD/CAM Software

The software allows users to design metrology fixturing set-ups without having to use co-ordinate measuring machines (CMM) and other inspection devices. This reduces the amount of set-up time and increases productivity. It can be used with a CAD model of the part, which is imported into FixtureBuilder. The entire fixturing set-up, along with the part, can then be exported into inspection programming software.

The synchronized project data includes the part and stock models, workholding, tooling, work offsets, tool offsets, and G-code program. With the synchronization between ESPRIT CAM and Mazak Smooth Ai, users can now preview the entire machining process virtually on the CNC, using the ESPRIT digital twin, before executing the program on the CNC machine. As a result, manual data input is eliminated, and the machine operator is offered greater assurance of the machining process. This results in shorter setup and prove-out times, and higher quality first-article run-offs.

Quick Ship parts will be 3D printed at ExOne's metal production facility outside Pittsburgh, which has been binder jetting metal parts for more than two decades. It's home to a fleet of more than two dozen metal 3D printers producing parts for prototype, low-volume, and serial production projects.

New features include the addition of plunge-milling cycles to the 3D and 5-axis strategies for machining cutting edges. Material is removed by plunging movements to reduce vibration and improve surface finish, especially helpful for machining edges with steep walls. When 5-axis machining, undercut areas can also be reached by specifying the lateral inclination on the tilted tool. By specifying a distance, circular or linear movement profile, the tool is optimally retracted from the part.

NUM has now added non-circular grinding functionality to its NUMgrind cylindrical grinding software, which forms an application-specific element of the company's renowned Flexium+ CNC platform. It is fully compatible with other Flexium software, from release 4.1.20.00 onwards.n

Lab testing and outside-the-box thinking are uncovering novel approaches to difficult machining challenges.

ProNest 2021 builds on the strong foundation of ProNest 2019 to make the programming process more efficient. Whether using plasma, waterjet, laser, or oxyfuel cutting, this new version provides the powerful tools fabricators and manufacturers need to increase material savings, boost productivity, lower operating costs, and improve part quality.

Mastercam 2021 increases machining productivity and reduces overall production costs with faster and more flexible multiaxis improvements, improvements in turning and turning-related applications, advances in speed, safety, and much more. n

The DP Technology teams are proud to announce the very first commercial version of ESPRIT that includes additive direct energy deposition (DED) cycles. ESPRIT's additive capabilities are the product of the team's more than 35 years of experience in toolpath generations, and they include the same intuitive user interface that users expect from the software. The product release includes 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis DED support. Combined with the subtractive processes and embedded into a single software, DP Technology brings a full spectrum of support to hybrid manufacturing.

Enhancements to the Page Manager have improved toolpath management. These include the ability to create named groups and functions for copying and modifying existing toolpaths, which speeds up the process of creating finish paths that use the same tool set-up as the rough paths.

Using the combination of ESPRIT probing and CNC machines outfitted with touch probes, shops will enjoy increased throughput on existing equipment while reducing operator intervention. This benefit comes along with increases in part consistency and quality.

CAD analysis benefits from a new function which improves the suite of analysis-shading modes. Draft Analysis has been added to the existing Undercut and Accessibility shading, performing an on-the-fly analysis of the draft angle. This uses the same technique as in the undercut mode, but extended to more ranges. The colors and angular value of each range can be changed by simply clicking on the colors or numeric labels on the graphics toolbar.